Is there enough sunshine in your life?
Vitamin D helps your body absorb the calcium and phosphate it needs to keep your bones and muscles strong and healthy. Vitamin D also provides protection for many diseases including cancer and immune disorders.
The main source of vitamin D is sunlight, and food alone can’t provide the recommended levels. Surprisingly vitamin D deficiency is common in Australians with over 30% of adults estimated to be deficient. Wearing sunscreen, not spending enough time outside, and rising obesity are contributing to low vitamin D test results.
Vitamin D deficiency doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does these can include brain fog, muscle weakness, unexplained fatigue, bone pain and frequent bone fractures. A low vitamin D test result has also been linked to seasonal depression, impaired immune system functioning, insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is also evidence that vitamin D is protective against multiple forms of cancer.
Due to cost pressures, Medicare typically only covers a vitamin D test in individuals at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.
